Grade The Trade: Anfernee Simons To The Lakers For A Package Around Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers are the one of the only teams to not have signed a free agent this summer despite drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James who could end up being good young players for them. LeBron James , at nearly 40 years old, is still playing at a high level while Anthony Davis is one of the best big men in the world. The Lakers could go all-in this summer and acquire budding star Anfernee Simons to create a new Big Three on the team going forward.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Anfernee Simons

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

This deal allows the Lakers to add a reliable shooter and scorer alongside D'Angelo Russell in the backcourt. Of course, the Lakers will have to give up young talent but a chance to create a new starting lineup could be worth it in the end.

Los Angeles Lakers Greatly Improve Their Offense With Simons

Acquiring Anfernee Simons would significantly bolster the Los Angeles Lakers' offensive firepower. Simons, a dynamic guard who averaged 22.6 points per game in the 2023-24 season, brings an elite scoring ability that the Lakers could greatly benefit from. With his three-point shooting prowess—38.5% from beyond the arc last season—Simons would provide much-needed spacing for LeBron James (25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.3 APG) and Anthony Davis (24.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.3 BPG). His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others complements the Lakers' current roster, which has often struggled with consistent perimeter shooting.

Simons' youth and athleticism would inject new energy into the Lakers' backcourt. At 25 years old, he is entering his prime and could form a potent offensive trio with James and Davis. His presence would relieve some of the scoring burden from James, allowing the veteran superstar to focus more on playmaking and defense. Simons' quickness and ability to penetrate defenses also create opportunities for Davis, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, where Davis excels as a roll man.

Furthermore, Simons' arrival would enable the Lakers to diversify their offensive schemes. With his scoring ability, the Lakers could run more isolation and pick-and-roll plays, making their offense less predictable. This added versatility could be crucial in the playoffs, where teams often key in on stopping primary options. By adding Simons, the Lakers not only improve their regular-season performance but also enhance their chances of making a deep postseason run.

Portland Trail Blazers Continue Their Rebuild With A Valuable Pick And Young Players

The Portland Trail Blazers' decision to trade Anfernee Simons for a package centered around Austin Reaves aligns perfectly with their rebuilding strategy. Reaves, who averaged 15.9 points and 5.5 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, has shown significant potential as a versatile guard. His ability to play both on and off the ball makes him a great fit alongside Scoot Henderson, the team's new cornerstone. Henderson, known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking skills, would benefit from Reaves' complementary style, creating a balanced backcourt.

Rui Hachimura is also only 26 years old and is coming off a season where he averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on 42.2% from three. The Japanese national can score inside and outside and can be a perfect addition to a rebuilding roster that already has Deandre Ayton in the paint. In addition to Reaves and Hachimura, the inclusion of a valuable draft pick provides the Trail Blazers with more assets to accelerate their rebuild.

Given the uncertainties surrounding draft outcomes, having an additional pick increases the chances of landing another impactful player to pair with Scoot Henderson (14.0 PPG, 5.4 APG) and Deandre Ayton (16.7 PPG, 11.1 RPG). Ayton, acquired in a previous trade, brings stability and a strong presence in the paint, forming a solid foundation for the Blazers' future.

The trade also allows the Blazers to focus on developing their young core. By moving Simons, they can allocate more playing time to emerging talents and foster a cohesive unit that grows together. This strategy mirrors successful rebuilds seen in the NBA, where teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder have amassed young assets and built a competitive roster through careful development and smart draft choices. The Blazers are positioning themselves to follow a similar path, aiming for long-term success rather than immediate contention.

What Grade Should This Trade Be?

Overall Grade Of The Trade: B

This trade gives each team the player(s) they desire but there is a ton to give up from the Lakers end while the Trail Blazers will move on from a 25-year-old guard who is a long-term piece for them.

Los Angeles Lakers: B

For the Lakers, acquiring Anfernee Simons is a strategic move to upgrade their offensive arsenal. Simons’ scoring prowess, especially from beyond the arc, provides the Lakers with the spacing and offensive versatility they need alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His ability to create his own shot and excel in pick-and-roll situations complements the Lakers' current roster dynamics. However, the trade does come at a significant cost. Austin Reaves has shown promise as a versatile guard, and parting with him, along with potential draft picks, depletes the Lakers' depth and future flexibility. The trade improves the Lakers' immediate offensive outlook but raises questions about their long-term strategy and depth.

Portland Trail Blazers: B

For the Trail Blazers, trading Anfernee Simons aligns with their rebuilding process, adding Austin Reaves and potentially valuable draft picks to their arsenal. Reaves’ versatility and playmaking ability make him a suitable backcourt partner for Scoot Henderson, creating a balanced and dynamic duo. The addition of draft assets enhances the Blazers' flexibility to acquire more young talent or make further strategic moves. However, moving on from Simons, a 25-year-old guard with substantial potential, is a significant decision. It reflects a commitment to the rebuild but also means parting with a player who could have been a cornerstone for the future. The trade offers immediate benefits for their rebuilding efforts but involves a notable long-term sacrifice.

Related: 3 Different Starting Lineups The Lakers Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season

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